JAKARTA, KOMPAS.TV – Pneumonia or lung inflammation in children can be detected by counting the respiratory rate.
Wahyuni Indawati, a pediatrician specializing in breathing, a graduate of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia (FK-UI), revealed that a diagnosis can be made by counting the child’s breathing frequency in one a minute
The frequency of breathing depends on the age of the child. The reason is that pneumonia damages the lungs, affecting the child’s ability to breathe.
“Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs, and in particular, because there is an infection with micro-organisms it can damage the lung tissue. “If there is damage, there is a lack of oxygen and death occurs,” said Wahyuni at a press conference in Jakarta, Sunday (17/11/2024).
He explained that for children under two months of age, the rate of breathing is 60 times per minute.
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Then for children between two and 12 months, the breathing rate is 50 times per minute. Then in children aged one to five years, the maximum rate is 40 hours per minute.
The next step, parents must pay attention to whether there is chest wall tension when the child breathes.
“Be careful with ‘BBB’ or not a normal cough, then try to see if you are breathing hard, or if the chest wall is pulling. “If yes, then be careful, it could be a sign of pneumonia,” he was quoted as saying Between.
He reminded that pneumonia in children often presents with the usual symptoms of cough and fever. So many parents underestimate it and think that the disease can heal itself.
However, parents need to be alert if their child’s stones are accompanied by signs of rapid breathing or shortness of breath.
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“Parents must take their children to the nearest health facility immediately without waiting for the child to become more dense or his body turns blue,” he said.
He said, there are several factors that put children at a higher risk of developing pneumonia.
Starting with infants under two years of age who are not exclusively breastfed, children who do not receive the PCV vaccine, are malnourished, born prematurely or have low birth weight (LBW), exposed to pollution, exposed to cigarette smoke, living in crowded conditions. housing and that they are affected by underlying diseases such as HIV, heart disease or chronic illness.
Based on UNICEF data, pneumonia is an infectious disease with the highest mortality rate in children worldwide.
2024-11-17 22:05:00
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Was very informative, Dr. Wahyuni. Now, can you delve into the recommended treatment options for children diagnosed with pneumonia, and how important it is for parents to follow up with their healthcare providers?
Good day, and welcome to World-Today News. Today, we have two esteemed guests, Dr. Wahyuni Indawati, a pediatrician specializing in breathing and Dr. Rini Ratnasari, a public health expert, to discuss the importance of understanding and detecting pneumonia in children. Dr. Wahyuni, could you start by telling us more about pneumonia and its potential risks for infants and young children?
Dr. Wahyuni Indawati: Of course, pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by viral or bacterial infections. It can be a serious condition, especially for young children under the age of five, as their immune systems are still developing. The symptoms can be similar to those of a common cold, like coughing and fever, but if left untreated, it can lead to severe breathing problems and even death. Risk factors include premature birth, low birth weight, exposure to tobacco smoke, crowded living conditions, and insufficient vaccinations. It’s essential for parents to recognize the early warning signs and seek medical attention promptly.
Dr. Rini Ratnasari: Absolutely. Pneumonia is responsible for a significant number of childhood deaths worldwide, but the good news is that it is preventable through simple measures like vaccinations and proper nutrition. Can you explain, Dr. Wahyuni, how parents can detect pneumonia in their children and what they should look out for?
Dr. Wahyuni Indawati: Certainly, parents should be aware of their child’s usual respiratory rate according to their age. For infants below two months, it’s 60 breaths per minute, while for children between two months and one year, it’s around 50 breaths per minute. If their child has a cough or fever and is breathing faster or more heavily than usual, that could be a sign of pneumonia. Additionally, parents should check for chest wall tension or difficulty breathing, which can indicate a more severe case. It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms arise, as early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.
Dr. Rini Ratnasari: That
